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It's a chance to sharpen one's weapons ahead of the opening round at Phillip Island. The Superbikes are back on track at Jerez for testing on Tuesday and Wednesday. All of the top teams will be present, but also some of the WorldSSP teams including CIA Landlord Insurance Honda, GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team, Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, Orelac Racing VerdNatura and Stock1000 team Aruba.it Racing – Junior Team.
The spotlight is on the battle between Johnny Rea and Chaz Davies. While the Irishman stood out in November's test at the Spanish track, faster even than the pole time set by Rossi, the Welshman wants to confirm that he is Rea's direct competition in the title fight. Last year's finale left few doubts, and the results spoke for themselves. Now they'll need to start from where they left off.
As well as the confirmations, there are new situations, not least the return of Marco Melandri. The Italian will have to contend with his knee, having damaged his meniscus during a football game. The worst seems to be behind him and this can only be a relief. He has a clear goal - to work in preparation for the races, so completing long-runs, considering that he did not race last season. This is the area that #33 needs to focus on, as he himself confirmed after the last test in 2016. In little over a month they'll be at Phillip Island, time is short.
Tom Sykes is also well aware of this, ready for a 2017 re-match against his team-mate Johnny Rea. he was seven tenths off the pace on his last outing at Jerez, now it's time to take another step forward to reduce the gap.
In Spain, the new Honda, and also Nicky Hayden, will also be in action, with the American having missed November's test due to a knee injury. Alongside him is German Stefan Bradl, who moves from MotoGP to SBK.
Let's not forget Yamaha, still looking for the right level of confidence. Van der Mark and Lowes are well aware of this, having had to deal with significantly faster rivals at the last tests. Then there are those who cannot take part in this week's testing, such as Aprilia Milwaukee. The adverse weather conditions have seriously affected Savadori and Laverty's plans. Testing gets underway tomorrow morning at 10am local time.
Times - Jerez test - November 2016
